Chapter 96: Unleashing Thunderous Destruction, and Unseen Turmoil

"Let us press forward," Long Shin declared, his mind brimming with ambition. "With ample room at my disposal, I can amass a formidable army to bolster my endeavors. However, I must not neglect the refinement of my offensive capabilities."

Long Shin's eyes fixated on the 'Skill Management Panel' as he meticulously scoured the available skills, seeking those that could provide him with an advantage in confronting formidable adversaries.

Confident in his current strength in human form, Long Shin knew he could effortlessly dispatch any peak-layered rank magister, and even hold his ground against certain rank magisters in the initial phase. However, he understood that the true extent of his power lay in his ability to transform into his mighty dragon form, a form that would make even the most formidable rank magisters tremble in fear and retreat.

While for most individuals, such prowess would mark the limits of their power in these tumultuous times, Long Shin stood apart. With a formidable system at his disposal, he transcended the boundaries that constrained ordinary individuals. His potential for growth and mastery knew no bounds, and he understood that there were even greater heights to reach. The power he had harnessed was but a glimpse of what lay ahead, awaiting his unwavering determination and the unlocking of his true potential.

Diligently scouring through the array of skills and techniques at his disposal, Long Shin meticulously selected the most critical ones. His discernment was guided by three key factors: the need for close combat capabilities, proficiency in long-range engagements, and the inclusion of a potent area-of-effect (AOE) ability.

After careful deliberation, Long Shin reached a decisive conclusion regarding the skills he would enhance to achieve optimal results. Spending ample time weighing the potential benefits and considering his personal strengths and combat preferences, he arrived at a selection that aligned with his overall strategic goals. With a firm resolve, he prepared to channel his efforts into enhancing these chosen skills, knowing that each improvement would bring him closer to unlocking his true potential.

The skills that Long Shin decided to enhance were carefully selected based on their significance and relevance to his combat prowess. Each skill held the potential to augment his abilities in different aspects of battle, allowing him to become an even more formidable force on the battlefield.

The chosen skills for enhancement were as follows:

1. Dragon Claw: This skill, when enhanced, would bolster Long Shin's close-quarters combat capabilities. He can use it in both in his human form and transformed dragon form, the power and precision of his claw attacks would be amplified, enabling him to tear through opponents with devastating force.

2. Dragon Scales: Enhancing this skill would reinforce Long Shin's natural defense and resilience. The scales of a primordial dragon were already formidable, but with the enhancement, they would become an impenetrable barrier, shielding him from various forms of damage and providing an additional layer of protection.

3. Accel: Long Shin recognized the importance of swift movement and agility on the battlefield. Accel is a skill that enhances his movement speed by enhancing Accel, he aimed to push the limits of his speed, enabling him to outmaneuver adversaries and launch lightning-fast attacks. This enhanced mobility would grant him a crucial advantage in combat.

4. Destruction Sword: Previously Long Hin had seen the power of this skill, when enhanced, this skill would augment Long Shin's offensive capabilities even further. The power of his sword strikes would reach unparalleled levels, capable of cleaving through any obstacle that stood in his path, the most important part was that he can use this skill in both close-combats and long-range battles.

5. Sky Thunder Seal: Among Long Shin's offensive abilities, the Sky Thunder Seal held immense value. It was not only one of the highest damage-dealing skills in his arsenal but also the only high-damage (AOE) attack he could unleash with his current mana capacities. By enhancing the Sky Thunder Seal, he aimed to unleash thunderous and explosive energy, decimating multiple foes simultaneously and asserting his dominance on the battlefield.

('Sky Thunder Seal' is the 1st form of the 'Golden Thunder Divine Arts' he got in the gacha)

These five abilities held the potential to elevate Long Shin's combat prowess to unprecedented heights.

However, Long Shin realized that he could enhance each of these abilities only up to five times at most. The number of skill points required for enhancement varied depending on several factors. Rank of the technique, its effect, mana consumption, and the degree of change brought about by the enhancement were among the considerations. Long Shin's initial experience with skill enhancement revealed the complexity and intricacy involved in the process.

Long Shin let out a sigh, contemplating the challenges ahead. "We will see," he murmured to himself, steeling his resolve. With determination in his eyes, he prepared to enhance his chosen abilities. The path ahead was uncertain, but he remained undeterred.

"Huh, huh, huh"

Gasping for breath, Long Shin struggled to fill his lungs with air, his hands firmly planted on his knees for support. Before him, a desolate scene unfolded—a vast expanse of pitch-black ash stretching for a kilometer, where once stood a thriving forest teeming with majestic trees that reached for the heavens. The once verdant foliage, towering bushes, sturdy rocks, and vibrant soil had all been reduced to nothingness, leaving only the remnants of charred remains.

At the heart of this desolation lay a massive crater, spanning dozens, if not hundreds, of meters in diameter. Its depths plunged to unfathomable depths, a stark contrast to the barren landscape surrounding it. The stark juxtaposition between the area behind him and the bleak wasteland before him was a testament to the immense power that had been unleashed.

Long Shin stood as a solitary figure amidst the aftermath, bearing witness to the destruction he had wrought.

The enhanced 'Sky Thunder Seal' technique proved to be a devastating weapon of mass destruction. The sheer destruction Long Shin had unleashed upon the forest in his human form was astonishing, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. However, the true extent of its power would be unleashed if he were to assume his formidable dragon form. The damage inflicted upon this forest was merely a glimpse of the cataclysmic force that awaited in his draconic state.

Moreover, it was crucial to acknowledge that this particular location, the Ancient Dungeon, possessed an abundance of mana. The soil, trees, and air in this realm were imbued with an energy twice as vibrant and resilient as those found on Earth. Taking this into account, the potential for destruction surpassed anything witnessed thus far. The inevitable outcome was a level of devastation that surpassed even the ruins left in its wake.

A wry smile formed on Long Shin's lips as he contemplated the aftermath of his devastating attack. The immense destruction he had wrought was a testament to the overwhelming power he now possessed. However, this display of force came at a significant cost. The attack had depleted almost every ounce of mana from his reserves, leaving him on the verge of exhaustion.

"Well at least now I don't have to worry about not having high damage against my enemies"

Yet, despite the steep price he had paid, Long Shin found solace in the fact that he no longer had to worry about lacking firepower against his enemies. The sheer devastation he had unleashed upon the surrounding area was undeniable proof of his newfound might. The ability to reduce everything within a kilometer to ashes was a formidable advantage, one that could turn the tide of any battle.

A bitter laugh escaped Long Shin's lips as he reflected on the trade-off he had made. The expenditure of nearly all his current mana reserves had granted him an unparalleled destructive capability. It was a deal he deemed worthy, acknowledging the immense power he had gained in exchange for such a substantial sacrifice.

He stopped thinking about this and sat down to meditate to recover his lost mana or else he would find it hard to even walk properly.

...

"Let's go back home"

Long Shin's thoughts turned towards home as he contemplated the impending return of Liu Minger. He knew that she would be arriving soon, and he wanted to ensure a warm welcome awaited her. A smile crossed his face as he envisioned the delight on her face when presented with a delicious meal.

With a sense of purpose, Long Shin stood up, eager to prepare something special for Liu Minger. The thought of her enjoyment fueled his determination to create a culinary masterpiece. The prospect of sharing a satisfying meal together, basking in the comfort of their home, brought a sense of contentment and anticipation.

As he walked away from the scene of devastation, leaving behind the ashes of his power, Long Shin's focus shifted to the comforts of hearth and home. It was time to set aside the battles and the destruction, and instead, embrace the warmth and joy that awaited him in the company of his loved one.

A blue portal materialized before Long Shin, offering a gateway to his home. With a contented smile, he stepped into the portal, eager to reunite with the familiar comforts that awaited him.

As he disappeared into the portal, the tranquility of the surroundings was abruptly shattered by a series of unsettling sounds.

ICK!!

THUG!

The earth quivered beneath the weight of an unknown force, causing tall trees to topple with a resounding thud. An ominous and colossal shadow cast itself upon the very spot where Long Shin had stood mere minutes ago.

The air was filled with hissing sounds, adding an eerie atmosphere to the unfolding spectacle. The enigmatic presence vanished as quickly as it had appeared, melding into the depths of the dense forest. However, the aftermath of its passage bore witness to the path of destruction it had left in its wake.

The nature of this mysterious entity remained shrouded in uncertainty. What or who had caused such commotion and devastation? The answer remains eluded, leaving only a lingering sense of intrigue in the air.

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